Example of Creative Demonstrations Magnets and Magnetic Fields
Concepts:
Around every magnet there is a magnetic field that can attract or repel objects having magnetic properties. Each magnet has two poles, north and south. Like magnets repel. Unlike magnetic poles attract.
Materials:
Two round, rod-like magnets
Two bar magnets
String
A stand to support a suspended magnet
Procedure:
-
1. Place the two round, rod-like magnets on a table or overhead projector. Bring one close to the other (lengthwise). The magnets will either attract or repel. Flip one magnet so the poles are opposite. Bring one magnet close to the other again. Ask: What did you observe? Who can explain why it happened? Can something be repelled if they can’t touch?
-
2. Take a bar magnet. Tie it to a string and suspend it. Bring another magnet close to it. Flip the magnet you are holding so that the poles are opposite. Bring it close again. Ask: What did you observe? Why did it happen? If you think they are magnets, how would you prove it? How would you determine the strength of a group of magnets? What evidence is there that both ends are not the same?
Illustration of a Pictorial Riddle:
A pictorial riddle represents scientific information on poster board, blackboard or transparency. Students can create their own. For instance, observe this picture. What are all the things you could ask about it?
(figure available in print form)
Which direction is the house facing?
What time of year or day might it be?
What angle does the sun’s rays hit?
The construction of pictorial riddles by children can be used as a creative activity which will motivate others to want to create similar riddles.